Which 49ers superstar returning from injury is the most concerning for 2026?

The San Francisco 49ers were ravaged by injuries to their cornerstone players in 2025. Even rookies and contributors went down, but it is extremely difficult to carry on with your two best defensive players and the heartbeat of your offense out with injuries. As of now, the 49ers are relatively healthy heading into training camp with all their stars healed up and ready to go.

Which 49ers superstar returning from an injury is the most concerning?

Nick Bosa

Unfortunately, this is Bosa’s third ACL tear if we’re including high school. As the engine of the 49ers’ pass rush, Bosa returning to form is the key to a return to form for the underperforming pass rush of 2025. The good news is ACL tears haven’t been the kiss of death with modern medicine and practices. Conceivably, Bosa can return to form in Week 1, but the 49ers should brace for a slower return to form.

It’s hard not to place Bosa’s return at the top of the list for the 49ers to have success in 2026. The defense and pass rush will go as Bosa does.

Fred Warner

Warner’s loss was devastating for the 49ers in 2025. Not only is Warner the best linebacker in the NFL, but his importance to the secondary and communication was immediately felt with his absence. The good news is Warner’s injury is easier to bounce back from than an ACL or other serious injury. In all likelihood, Fred will be Fred again once the season begins.

Bosa’s impact on the defense is huge, but Warner is the defense’s face, tone setter, and leader. I wouldn’t worry too much about the All-Pro linebacker.

George Kittle

This is the trickiest injury to gauge. On the one hand, an Achilles injury for a player over 30 is extremely concerning and usually isn’t conducive to a successful return. On the other hand, who is going to doubt Kittle’s ability to return for Week 1? Kittle’s blocking, attitude, and threat as a receiver are paramount for the 49ers’ offense.

Perhaps the long trip to Australia will force the 49ers to be more conservative with Kittle, but there’s no doubt he wants to be out there.

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